Wendy Starland: Taking on the Music Industry and Winning

by Erin Schmidt

Photo by Angel Varela

Dress: Bogini

In the elegant chambers of the United Nations, an unexpected voice reverberated through the Council for Global Change: that of Wendy Starland. Known as the woman who discovered Lady Gaga and a formidable force in the music industry, Wendy’s speech captivated world leaders and creatives alike. Her message? That music, when infused with purpose, can spark global transformation. Wendy used the platform to promote her app in development, “Music Soul”, a project aimed at empowering independent artists by connecting them directly with fans and collaborators, cutting out industry gatekeepers. “I’ve always believed that music transcends borders,” Wendy remarked during her speech. “It’s not just about entertainment—it’s about creating lasting change,” She stated at a recent speech at the UN.

But this is far from Wendy’s first foray into shaking up the world. On my podcast “Living a Bella Vida,” we discussed her unique ability to curate musical talent. Starland was instrumental in discovering and launching Lady Gaga’s career. She famously scouted Lady Gaga and helped her secure deals with major industry players. Reflecting on that moment, Wendy recalls, “I knew instantly that she was special, but it wasn’t just her voice. It was her work ethic. That’s what sets artists (like her) apart.” Starland and Lady Gaga wrote songs together, developing Lady Gaga’s distinct brand before the world knew who she was.

Wendy’s influence extends well beyond Lady Gaga.

Read the full article in Issue 4.